Reply from First Minister's office to an email outlining the concerns of Newhouse employees.

1. Dear <br />Thank you for your correspondence dated 14 July to the First Minister regarding the closure of MSD’s research facility at Newhouse. I have been asked to reply.<br />Scottish Ministers appreciate that this is an anxious time for employees, their families and the wider communities affected by the closure of the MSD site.<br />The Scottish Government through Scottish Development International (SDI) and Scottish Enterprise (SE) has a very close relationship with MSD management at Newhouse. SDI and SE have formed a project team specifically to look at alternatives for employees and potential options for the site.<br />The Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative provides tailored help and suppport for anyone whose job is at risk. Please be assured that every effort is being made to support Newhouse staff in finding alternative employment, both through the PACE initiative as well as working closely with the wider life sciences and chemical sciences communities in Scotland.<br />Ministerial and Government Communications<br />